STUFF: News, Technology, the cool and the plain weird

[MIKA27]

What's Up With This Mysterious New Sci-Fi Movie Trailer?

Whatever this clip is promoting, it's going to look beautiful at the very least.
Earlier today, a 62-second clip appeared on the YouTube channel of film production company A24 with no fanfare. There isn't any plot set-up, but the teaser shows glimpses of a near-future society where a succession of individuals seemingly deals with perceptions that they can't trust.

A24 has released a grip of excellent films in the last few years, including Ex Machina, The Witch, Swiss Army Man and Moonlight. We may not know anything about this movie yet but, with a track record like that, it will almost certainly be worth keeping tabs on.

[MIKA27]

Monkeys Grieve When Their Robot Friend Dies

BBC One's Spy in the Wild series embeds animatronic spy animals out in nature with their real life animal counterparts to see what life is really like in the wild. The robot creatures can look a little bit creepy with their eyeball cameras, but the animals often embrace them as one of their own. Sometimes the relationship can turn emotional, like when these Langur monkeys grieved for a robotic spy monkey that fell to the ground and "died".

You can see how the relationship grows between the real Langur monkeys and the robot monkey in the video below. First, they're curious about the motionless spy. Then, they include it in their herd. Then, they even want to start babysitting the fake baby robot and take care of it. And finally, when it falls off the tree branch, the monkeys all grieve for it like they would if their own babies died. It's really sad.

[MIKA27]

New Trailer For Russia's Guardians Sets Explosions And Punches To Classical Music

Also, there's apparently a plot? I'm sorry, I was distracted by the giant bear with the giant gun strapped to his back.
I think the best part of the man-bear is that sometimes he's a full bear and sometimes he's a man with a bear's head and hands. The ability to only shapeshift part of the body is so much more useful than either the usual "all or nothing" transformation or the mutant half-bear, half-man deal. I see no downside to this.

The new trailer also spends a bit more time showcasing everyone else's abilities. There's the guy who's basically an Earth Bender, and who can give himself the Thing's hands. There's invisible/disappearing/teleporting girl. And there's the curved blades guy.

And according to the subtitles, the big bad here is the same guy who originally helped alter these people's DNA back in the Cold War. Plot, I guess? Whatever, there's a bear in a lift.

[MIKA27]

As Expected, Woody Harrelson Has Joined The Han Solo Film

StarWars.com has just confirmed a report from earlier this month. Woody Harrelson is joining the Star Wars universe with a role in the 2018 Han Solo film.
The official release doesn't announce who the actor is playing, but since the initial report was right about him being cast, it seems likely he'll indeed be some kind of mentor to Han, played by Alden Ehrenreich. Donald Glover is also in the film as Lando Calrissian, and Game of Thrones' Emilia Clarke will play an as-yet-unnamed leading role.

"We couldn't be more excited to work with an artist with as much depth and range as Woody," the film's directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller said in a release. "His ability to find both humour and pathos, often in the same role, is truly unique. He is also very good at ping pong."

Guessing who Harrelson is playing is kind of pointless. Could he be an Expanded Universe character? Maybe, but it's not likely. Only in very, very rare cases has the current Star Wars canon gone back to the well of the EU. Odds are Harrelson is playing someone new. Maybe Han's father? Maybe an old smuggler or bounty hunter that Han hangs out with and learns from? Either way, it seems pretty likely Han will deal with losing this character during the movie since a mentor figure is not referenced in the canon movies or comics after. What's more Han Solo than putting your feelings down deep and hiding them?

We should find out more in the coming months as filming begins in London. For now though, all we know is that the untitled Han Solo Star Wars Story will be released some time in 2018.

[MIKA27]

This Magical Australian Spray Can Modify A Plant's Genes

If you wanted to, say, turn a red pepper yellow, you have a few options. You could directly tinker with with the plant's genetic code, tweaking the genes that control its colour. Or, perhaps, you could just mist the plant with a spray that changes its gene expression without altering its genetics.

A team at the University of Queensland in Australia has just published the results of a study in which they successfully used a "gene-silencing spray" to protect tobacco plants from a virus for 20 days with a single application. Its creators hope that the spray might lead to more environmentally-friendly crop production. But the potential applications for such technology are wide-ranging, from conferring temporary drought resistance to making plants more nutritious to protecting them from disease. All of this, in theory, can be accomplished without turning the plants into GMOs.

Gene-silencing sprays work through the process of "RNA interference". They don't actually change a plant's DNA. Instead, they exploit a natural cellular defence system to temporarily shut down a specific gene. When a virus invades cells, the cells cut up some of the invader's RNA, making short pieces of double-stranded RNA that they use to recognise that virus in the future. Double-stranded RNA is a signal to attack. Scientists have now figured out that if they design double-stranded RNA that corresponds to a plant's own genes, those genes will be attacked like invaders, and temporarily turned off.

Gene sprays have only been around for a few years, but already, companies like Monsanto are investing big. Last week, the ag giant announced that a spray targeting varroa mites, which impact the health of honey bees, is now in the final stages of development. The speculative technology remains highly expensive, and its full impacts are not yet well-understood.

For now, perhaps the most interesting question surrounding gene-silencing sprays is whether they will challenge our notion of a GMO. If you change a plant's genetic expression without altering its DNA, has it been "modified"? Is it still "natural"?

[MIKA27]

Russia Proposes Cigarette Ban For Anyone Born After 2015

Russia's smoking rates are some of the highest in the world, according to the World Health Organisation. Now the Russian government, a big fan of banning things, is going to try and ban citizens born after 2015 from buying cigarettes. This would be one of the world's strictest smoking bans, and Bhutan was the only other nation I could find that outlawed cigarette sales completely.

The ban proposal obtained by Russian newspaper Izvestia would go into effect in 2033, when the affected Russian citizens (now babies) turn 18 years old. Russia's legal smoking age is 18, so the law would ensure that those born in 2015 and later could never legally purchase cigarettes. It comes as part of a broader effort to combat smoking from 2017 to 2022 and beyond, according to the Izvestia report. The goal is to lower the country's smoking rate to 25 per cent by 2025, and to drive it down even further later. The proposal also claims that tobacco consumption fell from 39 per cent in 2009 to 33 per cent in 2016.

Some, like Elena Topoleva-Soldunova of the Russian public chamber, worry that the ban could lead to counterfeit tobacco. Others, like Russian politician Nikolai Gerasimenko, approved of the ban but were unsure how it could possibly be enforced, according to The Times.

In the meantime — before those no longer allowed to smoke come of the age where they definitely can't legally smoke — the proposal also includes adding laws restricting the locations where people can smoke. Russian cigarette packages now have graphic warning labels, as well. Nevertheless, a 2010 WHO survey found that 12 per cent of Russian 15-year-olds smoked daily, and it remains unclear how effective a ban will be so long as cigarettes are still widely accessible to the country's youth population.

But still, news about Russia that doesn't involve hacking is always nice.

[MIKA27]

Meet The Real Life Inspiration Behind Sherlock Holmes

Sherlock is back for its fourth season on Stan, and things are as dark and gritty as ever. Our leading man continues to live up to his literary reputation and fans remain captivated.

But where did the inspiration for such a complex character come from? If you think that such extraordinary powers of deduction couldn't possibly couldn't possibly be real, you might be surprised.

A physician and lecturer at the University of Edinburgh, Dr Joseph Bell came from strong family of doctors. He was also renowned for his acute attention to detail and eccentricity. Sound familiar?

Arthur Conan Doyle met Bell in 1877 as one of his medical school students. The would-be author also went on to be the professor's clerk — a relationship that is reminiscent of Holmes and Watson.

Bell seems to have treated the practice of medicine as a kind of investigation. In a piece written for the Strand Magazine (where Conan Doyle's first Sherlock Holmes short stories were published), Bell stated:

Quote

 

"In teaching the treatment of disease and accident all careful teachers have first to show the student how to recognize accurately the case. The recognition depends in great measure on the accurate and rapid appreciation of small points in which the diseased differs from the healthy state. In fact, the student must be taught to observe.

To interest him in this kind of work we teachers find it useful to show the student how much a trained use of the observation can discover in ordinary matters such as the previous history, nationality and occupation of a patient."

 

Conan Doyle freely admitted throughout his life that Bell was the primary inspiration behind his infamous detective, stating in a letter, "round the centre of deduction and inference and observation which I have heard you inculcate I have tried to build up a man."

A stickler for detail, Bell could apparently pick a person's profession by paying attention to their clothing, the objects in their possession and even their speech patterns.

In Conan Doyle's autobiography, he recounted one such incident between his mentor and a patient.

Quote

 

"Well, my man," Bell said, after a quick glance at the patient, "you've served in the army."

"Aye, sir," the patient replied.

"Not long discharged?"

"No, sir."

"A Highland regiment?"

"Aye, sir."

"A non-com officer?"

"Aye, sir."

"Stationed at Barbados?"

"Aye, sir."

Bell turned to his bewildered students. "You see, gentlemen," he explained, "the man was a respectful man but did not remove his hat. They do not in the army, but he would have learned civilians ways had he been long discharged. He has an air of authority and he is obviously Scottish. As to Barbados, his complaint is elephantiasis, which is West Indian and not British, and the Scottish regiments are at present in that particular island."

 

The idea of creating a fictional detective from Bell's mannerisms may have also been inspired by his police links. The professor was one of the first doctors to specialise in forensic pathology during the 19th century.

In fact, his expertise was so well regarded that he was involved in several high profile police investigations. He even provided Scotland Yard with his own personal analysis of the Jack the Ripper Murders.

In 2011 the Japan Sherlock Holmes Club erected a plaque in Edinburgh to mark the centenary of Bell's death — further solidifying his importance to fans of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and his infamous detective.

[MIKA27]

10 OF THE MOST MOST HEARTWARMING VINTAGE PHOTOS EVER

No matter what kind of day you may be having, we can promise you one thing: these photos are about to make you smile!

Prepare to experience the countdown of the world's most heartwarming photos from yesteryear. You'll find children hearing for the first time in their lives, along with a couple trying to not laugh while having their photo taken back in the 1890s.

And our favorite?

Number 8 highlights the unbelievable cuteness of back when hospitals tried to incorporate animal therapy in their program. We think hospitals should keep more baby ducklings around these days too!

#1 A Few Seconds Before Happiness, 1955

#2 Austrian Boy Receives New Shoes During WWII

#3 A Victorian Couple Trying Not To Laugh While Getting Their Portraits Done, 1890s

#4 Girl Playing For Her Dog

#5 Best Friends

#6 Brownie Gets The Milk As Blackie Waits His Turn, 1954

#7 Marine Sergeant Frank Praytor Feeding An Orphaned Kitten. He Adopted The Kitten After The Mother Cat Died During The War

#8 Animals Being Used As Part Of Medical Therapy, 1956

#9 Happy French Girl And Her Cat, 1959

#10 Harold Whittles Hearing Sound For The First Time, 1974

[MIKA27]

This Could Be the First Great Horror Film of 2017

Around this time last year, The Witch trailer gave hope for the year to come in the horror genre. Ultimately, the film proved to live up to expectations as a solid debut for director Robert Eggers.

This year, we get XX. It's an anthology horror film directed by Karyn Kusama (The Invitation), Jovanka Vuckovic (The Captured Bird), Roxanne Benjamin (Southbound), and St. Vincent's Annie Clark making her directorial debut. Each director tells a different horror story starring a female lead: "The Birthday Party" (Clark), "Her Only Living Son" (Kusama), "Don't Fall" (Benjamin), and "The Box" (Vuckovic).

The new trailer released today gives brief glimpses into each film, with a boy who looks into a box and refuses to eat, a couple in the woods, some crazy shit about fingernail eating, and a creepy birthday party. The film will debut at Sundance Film Festival later this month.

 

[MIKA27]

This Wooden Box Is A Gaming PC

The Volta V is the first commercially-produced, handcrafted wooden computer and, if you have the cash, it can pack some serious gaming power.
Back when I was a kid, most of the electronics in our home featured a large amount of wood. Our television was 22 inches of screen in a 50-inch wooden box, and we loved it. So when I got the second email about the launch of the Volta V after missing the first one, I was overjoyed.

The Volta V is a watercooled PC in an American hardwood box. It's meant to be a sustainable, upgradable system that will stay with you as PC hardware improves, instead of a metal or plastic enclosure that's the next pretty LED-lighted thing away from extinction.

Each Volta V case is cut from American hardwood, precision tooled and assembled by hand. It's wood all around, save for the aluminium base that forms the feet, keeping the unit elevated for a keyboard to slip underneath.

I worried about heat upon first seeing the Volta V's design, but the world's most knowledgeable PR person explained that the chassis is designed with airflow in mind. The CPU is watercooled. A pair of magnetic dust covers slide off for easy cleaning access. They use only blower type graphics cards. The system is designed to pull cool air from the bottom and dissipate hot air out the sides, and they have laminated the wood in 5cm staves to help prevent potential warping.

This is the sort of computer system one might expect from Computer Direct Outlet, a company with a CEO named Gary Underwood, a designer named Ty Underwood and a engineer named Dale Woodard. Seriously. These guys were born to make a wooden PC, or possibly be garden gnomes. One of those. They chose wisely.

But what price, all of this wood? Right now interested parties can reserve a Volta V for $US399 ($535), with configurations running between $US2000 ($2684) and $US5000 ($6710). The first completed units begin shipping in March 2017. Unfortunately, they only ship within the US, so Australians will have to pile on a bit extra for a mail forwarding service.

They're a bit on the pricey side, but they look so damn elegant, and should the cooling ever fail they will no doubt smell amazing.

[MIKA27]

Nearly Half The Dakar Rally Hasn't Run Because Of Bad Weather, Massive Landslide

Yet another stage of this year’s Dakar Rally has been cancelled. Today’s 607-mile Stage 9 from Salta to Chilecito has been cancelled due to a landslide blocking the route, according to Mini. A whopping 42 percent of the Dakar Rally route has not been run due to inclement weather. 

A massive landslide caused by heavy rains occurred at 10:30 a.m. yesterday, hitting the town of Volcan, Argentina. The landslide buried part of a non-competitive section of Stage 8, according to an announcement made by the rally’s organizers. Support vehicles and competitors for the race had to be diverted 124 miles through San Antonio de los Cobres, Argentina, which prevented them from reaching the Salta overnight bivouac at the end of Stage 8 in time to start Stage 9. 

Instead, Dakar competitors are gathering in Chilecito to start Stage 10, which takes them to San Juan. Mucky conditions have plagued much of the rally, with even the rest day offering not much rest thanks to a thoroughly flooded bivouac. Stage 6 was cancelled, and Stage 7 was altered and Stages 5 and 8 were shortened due to poor conditions, per Red Bull. The stages they have run in the past few days have been miserably cold and wet. 

One of those French rally Sébastiens that wins everything, Sébastien Loeb, sits in the lead of the cars category, while Sam Sutherland leads the bikes. Sergey Karaykin leads in quads and Dmitry Sotnikov leads the trucks. 

Sadly, Euro Weekly News reports that two residents have been found dead in the mudslide, and thousands have been forced to evacuate the area. Communications have been sparse, as the loss of an electricity pylon in the slide cut off contact with the towns of Volcan, Barcenas and Tombaya. 

[MIKA27]

Here Is Your Enormous 2017 Detroit Auto Show Photo Gallery

Okay, so the 2017 Detroit Auto Show was kind of an endless parade of Toyota Camrys, boring crossovers and empty corporate patriotism. Regardless, here are some photos.

[MIKA27]

CASIO PRO TREK WSD-F20 OUTDOOR SMARTWATCH

Casio, the once the king of digital watches, has found themselves with some new competition as of late. Specifically, the boom in the popularity of smartwatches has pretty drastically – and likely permanently – altered the course of the industry. Not content with being left out, Casio has begun to make their own, hoping to again tower above their competitors – at least in some way. Lucky for them, their upcoming Pro Trek WSD-F20 smartwatch looks like it may very well set them apart.

The coolest and most stand-out feature of this handsome watch is certainly the low-power onboard GPS and the ability to download maps that can be used without the need for cellular connectivity. That means you can much more easily navigate surrounding terrain when you’re low on power or if you’re a bit too far off the beaten track. It is also Bluetooth equipped and compatible with both Android and iOS devices, magnetically charges in just 2 hours, and features a litany of functions available via the 1.32 inch capacitive touch LCD display. And while the battery offers a little more than a day’s worth of functionality, the watch can be switched into a “timekeeping only” mode that can function for over a month on a full charge. This stellar outdoorsman’s smart watch will be released on April 21st of this year. [Purchase]

[MIKA27]

Ben & Jerry’s Bourbon Ice Cream

Bourbon lovers, rejoice! Ben & Jerry’s is reportedly making bourbon ice cream. Urban Bourbon is burnt caramel ice cream with almonds, fudge flakes & bourbon caramel swirls. The flavor sounds absolutely delicious, but there’s no official word from Ben & Jerry’s yet on whether it will join the ranks. What we do know is that the flavor story was originally broken by Candy Hunting, and Thrillist found out that Ben & Jerry’s filed trademark on the “Urban Bourbon” title. We won’t call it definitive proof, but we’re relatively sure Ben & Jerry’s is actually gonna release this flavor.

[MIKA27]

The All New VW 2018 Tiguan

German automaker Volkswagen have just announced the all new 2018 Tiguan, but what really caught our attention was this radical concept that could well be close to a production reality. The spectacular VW Tiguan GTE Active features a 148-hp gasoline engine and a 12.4-kWh battery pack that feeds juice to a pair of electric motors. It has a six-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission, and features off-road and sporty GTE driving modes, letting the driver access preset driving parameters for Rocks, Sludge and Sand, or Gravel, using a console-mounted dial. The beautiful ride is also designed for off-road adventures, it is raised nearly two inches higher than the normal Tiguan, has skid plates, a burly roof rack, tow hooks, and fender flares over knobby tires to complete the off-road look. 

 

[MIKA27]

DOGFISH HEAD OLDE SCHOOL BARLEYWINE

When the temperature dips to unbearable levels this winter, there's nothing like a big barleywine to help warm you up. Dogfish Head Olde School Barleywine is one of the originals in this class, brewed for the first time back in 2002. Their new world take on a traditional English barleywine is fermented with dates and figs and lands at right around 15% ABV. It's back for its 15th anniversary this year, and makes for a delicious companion for extra warmth — or to lay down in a cool, dark place to be opened years later for an even smoother treat.

[Sean3]

On 11/9/2016 at 10:43 PM, MIKA27 said:

Remarkable: Brain Implant Allows Paralysed Monkey To Walk Again

For the first time ever, a neural device has been used to restore locomotion in paralysed primates. It may be years before clinical trials can begin for humans, but this latest breakthrough marks an important step in that direction.

A new study published in the science journal Nature describes a new neuroprosthetic interface that acts as a wireless bridge between the brain and the spine, bypassing the injury. Called the "brain-spine interface", the system restored movement in the paralysed right legs of two rhesus monkeys. The system was developed by neuroscientist Grégoire Courtine and his colleagues at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne, along with help from researchers at the University of Bordeaux, Motac Neuroscience and the Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV).

Back in 2012, Courtine used a chemical cocktail to "re-awaken" the damaged spinal cord of paraplegic rats, allowing them to walk, run and evade obstacles. For the latest experiment, Courtine's team chose a different route, one involving implants in the brain and in the area of the spinal injury. It marks the first time that a neuroprosthetic device has been used to restore locomotion in primates, and the scientists are optimistic the system can be adapted to humans.

Paralysis happens when a spinal cord lesion prevents brain signals from the motor cortex (the part of the brain responsible for movement) from reaching neurons that activate muscles. Regrettably, the nerves of the spinal cord do not heal spontaneously after injury, and scientists haven't had much luck using various pharmacological and regenerative techniques. The World Health Organisation estimates that somewhere between 250,000 to 500,000 people suffer a spinal cord injury each year worldwide, highlighting the extent of the problem.

The brain-spine interface overcomes a damaged connection by bridging the spinal cord injury — and it does so in real-time and via wireless technology. The neuroprosthetic device implanted in the monkey's brain correctly interprets activity generated by the motor cortex, and relays this information to a system of electrodes placed over the surface of the spinal cord, just below the injury. A burst of just a few volts, delivered at the right location, triggers specific muscles in the legs. Monkeys implanted with the device were able to walk within six days of the spinal cord injury.

In experiments, the device allowed monkeys to walk and behave freely, and without having to be hooked up to a tangled web of wires and electronics. The monkeys, who had partial lesions inflicted to their spinal cords, showed immediate progress, and were able to spontaneously regain full mobility after three months.

"The primate was able to walk immediately once the brain-spine interface was activated," said study co-author Erwan Bezard of Bordeaux in a statement. "No physiotherapy or training was necessary."

The scientists are hopeful that the device will work for more serious spinal injuries, though according toNewcastle University scientist Andrew Jackson, who wrote a Nature News and Views article on the research, this will likely happen with the help of other interventions, such as chemical and electrical stimulation. Excitingly, the new system might be able to leverage the power of the brain's plasticity; connections between two neurons are given a boost when both are active at the same time. It's possible that this device could strengthen surviving motor pathways, further contributing to rehabilitation.

Looking ahead, the researchers say a similar system could be adapted to humans, but more work is need to address locomotion issues such as balance, steering and obstacle avoidance — motor skills which were not addressed in the current study. On the plus side, many of the components used in the brain-spine interface have already been approved for humans. If all goes well, human trials could start in just a few years.

"For the first time, I can imagine a completely paralysed patient able to move their legs through this brain-spine interface," noted Jocelyne Bloch, the lead neurosurgeon on the project.

It's important to point out that Courtine and his colleagues deliberately damaged the spinal column of the two rhesus monkeys, causing paralysis in the right leg. Given increasing public pressure to move away from this type of animal testing, particularly in Europe, the scientists were more comfortable doing their research in China. Jackson explains:

Jackson is right to point out that more ethical standards need to be implemented in Asia, but the scientific community should most certainly be moving away from primate experimental models. Rather than fleeing to countries with less stringent animals testing protocols, researchers should try and find alternative ways of testing their theories and systems, whether it be through computer models or recruiting human test subjects. Indeed, it's possible that some paraplegics and quadriplegics would welcome the opportunity to participate in this sort of research, regardless of the risks.

Simply amazing!

[MIKA27]

Report: Disney Is Negotiating With Carrie Fisher's Estate For More Leia

According to BBC Newsnight, the Walt Disney Company is negotiating with Carrie Fisher's estate "over her continued appearance" in the Star Wars franchise.
Before you jump to conclusions that Lucasfilm is definitely planning on digitally recreating the late actress for Episode IX, the Newsnight quotes were unspecific beyond the fact that negotiations are taking place.

The full quote from Newsnight reporter Kirsty Wark, ahead of a video report on using actors' likenesses after their deaths on the January 10 edition of Newsnight (available to watch in the UK here), reads as follows:

Quote

Carrie Fisher died less than a fortnight ago, but in the minds of Disney movie moguls and Star Wars fans, she's very much alive. And with what might be regarded as unseemly haste, Disney is negotiating with the actor's estate over her continued appearance in the franchise. If Disney gets the go-ahead, Carrie Fisher will join Peter Cushing, who, last month, fifteen years after his death, played a key role in Rogue One as Grand Moff Tarkin. With computers, anything is possible, but is it desirable? While some living actors are contracting over the use of their image when they die, others, like Robin Williams, who killed himself in 2014, explicitly banned the commercial use of his image until 2039.

So Lucasfilm could be negotiating Fisher's appearance in Episode IX, just like Peter Cushing was put into Rogue One, but it could be something as simple as making sure they have the estate's permission to continue to put Fisher's likeness on merchandise. It could mean a variety of other things. And just because they're negotiating doesn't mean they will definitely use her likeness — Lucasfilm could simply be hedging their bets for the future.

However, by comparing Fisher to Cushing, Newsnight does seem to suggest an on-screen, posthumous film appearance is in the cards. That wouldn't necessarily be for Episode VIII, which Fisher had completed her filming for, but that's also possible. Either way, it doesn't flat out say anything definitive, so it's impossible to say for sure. If anything, Newsnight is using the possibility of recreating Fisher as a jumping off point for a continuing ethical debate.

It's important to remember, too, that last week The Hollywood Reporter said that Lucasfilm executives and filmmakers would be meeting in the new year to discuss how Fisher's passing would be handled in the upcoming films. Since that is some seriously secret stuff, we don't know if those meetings have taken place yet or what was said in them. But it seems likely that no matter what decision is made, tying up legal loose ends so the company has the option to do whatever they deem necessary, would be an understandable turn of events.

We contacted Disney for clarification on Newsnight's report but had not heard back at time of writing.

[MIKA27]

Here's the Trailer For the Movie That Made People Vomit at Film Festivals

As they say, all art should make you feel something. And grotesquely ill is definitely a feeling, right? To be completely honest, Raw, from acclaimed French director Julia Ducournau, actually looks pretty awesome—even with the cannibalism, skin peeling, excessive blood, and animal torture.

Last year, along with winning the FIPRESCI Prize at Cannes, Raw made a number of people in the audience faint at the Toronto film festival. The paramedics had to be called, and a spokesmen said afterward that "an ambulance had to be called to the scene as the film became too much for a couple patrons."

Hopefully theaters figure out some sort of puke management system before Raw is out on March 10. At least we know 2017 is going to be one hell of a year for horror films.

MIKA: Is it just me, I must be desensitised but there was nothing whatsoever in that trailer that made me feel sick in any way. Some people are pretty weak

 

[MIKA27]

Astropad Studio 

Especially after the launch of the Microsoft Surface Studio, there’s been a lot of buzz lately about Apple’s gap in the market for pro artists. Astropad Studio is the ultimate tool for creative professionals, it turns your iPad Pro into a completely customizable graphics tablet. Many working artists immediately took to the new iPad Pro and the Apple Pencil, but they lacked features professional creatives are looking for in a graphics tablet to handle the most demanding creative work. Astropad Studio is a premium version of the original Astropad, it was specifically designed to work with the iPad Pro and offers better performance and an expanded feature set. Features include keyboard support, pressure smoothing, hover simulation, unlimited shortcut sets, undo/redo gestures and a maximum speed of 40 MB/s, which allows for smooth operation of the tablet and image quality that is free of compression artifacts. The app will come with unlimited upgrades and priority customer support.

[MIKA27]

MERCEDES-BENZ AMG GT C EDITION 50

Built to honor the 50th anniversary of AMG, the Mercedes-Benz AMG GT C Edition 50 is a highly limited version of this already exclusive sports car. It's painted in an exclusive Graphite Grey Magno, with black chrome highlights all over the exterior, including on the grille, trim, and tailpipes. The forged wheels are likewise black, while the interior is a contrast between chrome and black, in a scheme borrowed from the Night edition. Fittingly for an anniversary model, it will be limited to just 50 coupes and 50 roadsters.

MIKA: That's the Batmobile right there 

[MIKA27]

THE BARN

Resembling the classic farmstead outbuilding on the outside, The Barn uses a mix of rustic finishes and modern updates for a one-of-a-kind guesthouse. Clad in reclaimed barnwood and cedar shake shingles, the exterior gives the appearance of a structure that has weathered overtime, while the interior tells another story. The ground floor acts as a garage for the owners to work on motorcycles, bicycles, and vintage cars. Above, the hayloft consists of a guest room, kitchenette, and gym, keeping the barn aesthetic with reclaimed oak floors, a plank ceiling, exposed trusses, and sliding doors. On one end of the loft, a glazed wall floods the interior with natural light, while framing in dramatic views of the surrounding meadow and Teton Range.

[MIKA27]

JACK DANIEL'S COFFEE

Some will admit to slipping a little something in their morning coffee now and again. Jack Daniel's Coffee gives you the flavors that come with an AM shot without the booze. Made from 100% Arabica, it's infused with full-strength Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey to give it notes of caramel and vanilla that you simply don't get with beans alone. Available in 1.5 oz gift bags or in handsome 8.8 oz collectible tins.

 

[MIKA27]

The New CHIPS Movie Is Going To Be Hilarious And The Trailer Is Proof

Yes, it basically feels like 21 Jump Street on motorcycles. But I’m completely OK with that.

Last night on Jimmy Kimmel Live, friend of Jalopnik Dax Shepard and Michael Pena rode directly into the studio (well, Pena was trailered in, but that’s the joke) on their CHP bikes dressed as Ponch and Jon. Then they debuted the trailer for the new movie, due out this March.

CHIPS is, of course, a remake of the NBC motorcycle cop drama series that ran in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s. Like the aforementioned 21 Jump Street—which I will admit I loved—this new one goes way over the top on explosions and dick jokes, more than the original show ever did. But hey, it looks fun! 

[Fuzz]

1 hour ago, MIKA27 said:

Here's the Trailer For the Movie That Made People Vomit at Film Festival

 

MIKA: Is it just me, I must be desensitised but there was nothing whatsoever in that trailer that made me feel sick in any way. Some people are pretty weak

 

Nope, it ain't just you.